Bad On Paper Podcast - Episode: Rapid Fire Rankings Release Date: March 12, 2025

Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Description: Join Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter every Wednesday for a dose of books and banter, along with interviews with women who inspire us.

Overview

In this lively episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter dive into a dynamic Rapid Fire Rankings segment. The episode, titled "Rapid Fire Rankings," features a variety of categories sourced directly from their listeners, allowing Becca and Olivia to share their top three favorites in each area. From favorite foods and dips to beloved books and pop culture references, the hosts engage in spirited discussions, sprinkled with personal anecdotes and humorous exchanges.

Highs and Lows

Timestamp: [00:56] - [10:11]

Before diving into the rapid-fire segments, Olivia and Becca share the highlights and challenges of their week. Olivia recounts attending Reese Witherspoon's Book Club event and moderating Holly Brickley's book tour for Deep Cuts. Becca, on the other hand, discusses her struggles with ordering wardrobe items for her author portraits, particularly her experience with expensive sweaters from Cezanne.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia: "I had such a bookish week in the best way."
• Becca: "I'm afraid I'm also going to love them. I have to make some hard decisions."

Rapid Fire Rankings

1. Food

Timestamp: [12:54] - [19:49]

The most requested category from listeners was favorite Trader Joe's products. Olivia candidly admits she doesn't frequent Trader Joe's often, instead recommending Costco staples.

Top Three from Costco:

1. Costco Rotisserie Chicken ([13:51])
   • Olivia: "They're pumped full of things that they should not be pumped full of, but it is just the best."
2. Costco Pizza ([14:00])
   • Olivia: "It's the perfect slice of pizza for $1."
3. Bulldog Ramen Carbonara Flavor ([15:56])
   • Olivia: "It's cheesy and delicious, especially when made in a sauté pan."

Becca shares her top three Trader Joe's favorites:

1. Taco Seasoning ([17:30])
   • Becca: "They make the best premixed taco seasoning."
2. Mini Ice Cream Cones ([18:21])
   • Becca: "My favorite is the coffee chocolate ones."
3. Pastry Pups ([19:21])
   • Becca: "They're like miniature pigs in a blanket and perfect for appetizers."

2. Fast Food Orders

Timestamp: [19:49] - [27:42]

Olivia and Becca each share their favorite fast food orders, detailing specific preferences and memorable experiences.

Olivia's Top Fast Food Picks:

1. McDonald's: Two Cheeseburgers with Extra Pickles ([20:19])
   • Olivia: "The perfect balance of being completely satisfying."
2. Auntie Anne's Pretzel Bites ([20:58])
   • Olivia: "Cheese sauce on the side is a must."
3. Starbucks: Iced Coffee with Cream and Vanilla ([21:18])
   • Olivia: "It's my go-to drink order."

Becca's Top Fast Food Picks:

1. McDonald's Chicken Selects with Buffalo Sauce ([22:10])
   • Becca: "They're superior to nuggets."
2. Shake Shack Burger with Hot Cherry Peppers ([22:40])
   • Becca: "Add pickles and sliced onion for the perfect bite."
3. Dunkin': Medium Hazelnut Iced Coffee and Sausage Egg Cheese Wake-Up Wrap ([23:45])
   • Becca: "Great for a quick, satisfying breakfast."

3. Dips

Timestamp: [25:25] - [30:19]

The hosts explore their favorite dips, highlighting both classic and unique options.

Becca's Top Dips:

1. Chili Salsa ([25:33])
2. Hillstone Spinach and Artichoke Dip ([25:50])
3. Spicy Feta Dip ([25:57])

Olivia's Top Dips:

1. Hell of a Good Onion Dip ([26:08])
2. Mom's Spinach Dip in a Rye Bread Bowl ([26:18])
3. Chili's Ranch ([27:27])

4. Plain Snacks

Timestamp: [27:45] - [30:19]

Discussing simple yet satisfying snacks, Olivia and Becca list their go-to options.

Olivia's Favorites:

1. Gardetto Snack Mix ([27:57])
2. Cheez-It Crunch ([28:20])
3. Peanut M&Ms ([28:59])

Becca's Favorites:

1. Mini Pretzels ([29:11])
2. Twizzlers ([29:32])
3. Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers ([29:56])

5. Books

Timestamp: [30:19] - [40:24]

The segment shifts to literature, with both hosts sharing their favorite romance and thriller novels, as well as books they believe deserve more recognition.

Romance Favorites:

• Becca's Top Three:

  1. "The Idea of You" by Robin Lee
  2. "The Royal We" by Heather Cox and Jessica Morgan
  3. "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry

• Olivia's Top Three:

  1. "Talking at Night" by Clara D'Averley
  2. "Shark Heart" by Emily Hayback
  3. "Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller

Thriller Favorites:

• Olivia's Top Three:

  1. "The Push" by Ashley Audrain
  2. "Night Watching" by Tracy Sierra
  3. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

• Becca's Top Three:

  1. "Verity" by Colleen Hoover
  2. "First Fly Wins" by Ashley Elston
  3. "All These Beautiful Strangers" by Elizabeth Klayfoff

Books Deserving More Hype:

• Becca's Picks:

  1. "Always and Forever" by Allison Lin
  2. "Musical Chairs" by Amy Popel
  3. "A Sky Painted Gold" by Laura Wood

• Olivia's Picks:

  1. "We All Want Impossible Things" by Kathryn Newman
  2. "Rainbow Black" by Maggie Thrash
  3. "Beauty Land" by Marie Helene Bertino

Books to Recommend:

• Becca's Recommendations:

  1. "The Idea of You" by Robin Lee
  2. "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
  3. "The Wedding People"

• Olivia's Recommendations:

  1. "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
  2. "The Wedding People"
  3. "The Husbands"

6. Pop Culture

Timestamp: [46:46] - [52:05]

The hosts discuss their favorite newsletters, sharing their top picks that keep them informed and entertained.

Olivia's Favorite Newsletters:

1. "The Composite" by Jordan Bojejian ([47:15])
2. "Morning Person" by Leslie Stevens ([47:25])
3. "Literary Leanings" by Michelle Martin ([47:35])

Becca's Favorite Newsletters:

1. "As Seen On" by Achuko Akpovobo ([47:45])
2. "Gossip Time" by Allie Jones ([48:00])
3. "Galley Brag" by Ezra Kapoor ([48:15])

7. Celebrity Crushes

Timestamp: [49:51] - [55:52]

A nostalgic dive into the hosts' formative celebrity crushes, revealing personal stories and amusing backstories.

Olivia's Crushes:

1. Dan Bailey – A family friend who left a lasting impression from a childhood experience.
   Olivia: "He was just like the pinnacle of male perfection to me at 14."
2. Ashton Kutcher – Deeply into his early work and personal charm.
3. Sean Faris & Robert Pattinson – From early breakouts to iconic roles.

Becca's Crushes:

1. Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic Era) – Becca: "He's like the Robert Pattinson of my micro generation."
2. Paul Walker – A teenage idol.
   Becca: "Paul Walker did it for Teen Me."
3. Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter from The O.C.) –
   Becca: "He's still out there doing his thing."

8. Karaoke Songs

Timestamp: [55:52] - [60:30]

Sharing their go-to karaoke tracks, Olivia and Becca reveal their song choices and the rationale behind them.

Olivia's Karaoke Songs:

1. "Goodbye Earl" by The Chicks ([56:37])
2. "2AM" by Anna Nalick ([56:53])
3. "How to Save a Life" by The Fray ([57:03])

Becca's Karaoke Songs:

1. "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias ([57:27])
2. "Never Ever" by All Saints ([57:37])
3. "Spice Up Your Life" by Spice Girls ([57:45])

9. TV Romance Plotlines or Couples

Timestamp: [60:30] - [64:51]

The hosts reminisce about their favorite on-screen romances, highlighting chemistry and memorable storylines.

Becca's Favorite TV Romances:

1. Olivia Fitz & Jake on Scandal ([58:58])
2. Blair Waldorf & Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl ([59:35])
3. Connor & Marianne on Normal People ([59:40])

Olivia's Favorite TV Romances:

1. Nick & Jess on New Girl ([60:19])
2. Emma & Dexter
3. Priest & Fleabag on Fleabag ([60:30])

10. Reality TV

Timestamp: [64:51] - [69:06]

Discussing their favorite reality television shows, Olivia and Becca explore various franchises and personal preferences.

Becca's Reality TV Picks:

1. Real Housewives of New York ([66:11])
2. NYC Prep (Reality Gossip Girl) ([66:28])
3. Laguna Beach ([63:03])

Olivia's Reality TV Picks:

1. Real Housewives at Salt Lake City ([66:48])
2. Real Housewives of Orange County ([66:55])
3. Below Deck ([67:05])

11. Miscellaneous

Timestamp: [69:06] - [81:36]

A mixed bag of topics, including tips for resetting, candle scents, beauty products, and heartfelt compliments.

Things to Do When You Need a Reset:

• Becca: Take a walk, go to bed early, and engage in angry journal entries.
• Olivia: Journal, let her phone die, and avoid overusing it.

Candle Scents:

• Becca: Savant Summer Splendor, Brooklyn Candle Company Apple Cider, Hotel Lobby Candle.
• Olivia: Prefers versatile scents from Marshalls, avoiding heavy colognes.

Late 90s, Early 2000s Beauty Products:

• Olivia's Favorites:

  1. Dream Matte Mousse Foundation
  2. Lancome Juicy Tube Lip Gloss
  3. Clearasal Face Pads

• Becca's Favorites:

  1. Hard Candy Lip Gloss
  2. Stila Kitten Sparkle Powder
  3. Clinique Black Honey Lipstick

Compliments That Stick Forever:

• Becca: Being told she’s a good writer, a good friend, and funny.
• Olivia: Receiving feedback that her essays make others feel less alone.

Final Thoughts and Obsessions

Timestamp: [75:44] - [81:36]

The episode concludes with Olivia and Becca sharing their current obsessions. Olivia raves about her newly purchased comfortable barrel jean overalls from Gap, while Becca discusses her latest TV obsession, Paradise on Hulu, and eagerly anticipates future shows and book club selections.

Notable Quotes:

• Becca: "Episode seven of Paradise is one of the best episodes of television ever."
• Olivia: "They are so absurdly comfortable. I'm going back and buying multiples."

Conclusion

Bad On Paper's "Rapid Fire Rankings" episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look into Olivia and Becca's personal favorites across various categories. From cherished books and delectable foods to nostalgic beauty products and unforgettable TV romances, the hosts provide listeners with insightful recommendations and relatable stories. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the show, this episode is a delightful blend of fun rankings and heartfelt conversations that capture the essence of Bad On Paper.

Connect with the Hosts

• Facebook Group: Bad On Paper Podcast
• Instagram:
  • Olivia: @boundandpaperpodcast
  • Becca: @ecamfreeman
• Newsletters:
  • Olivia: Substack (link not provided)
  • Becca: @beccafreeman on Substack

Stay tuned for their next episode and join their vibrant community for more book discussions and inspiring interviews!